New cans and mobo sound

[msfexploit]

I just picked up a pair of beyerdynamic 990s pro SE, and plugged into my mobo audio jack and had to turn all volume up to 83% just to get decent sound. Its a new asus Maximus VIII Hero. It states it has a 600 ohm amp but that doesnt seem right cause the cans are 250ohms. Also there is a low static in backround from cranking volume almost to max. Does this seem normal?

 

[Suzuki@1473780084@1473780163]

Buy a headphone amplifier. If there's something wrong then that will be amplified as well. Try the headphones on your smartphone real quick and see if you can replicate the result from your mobo interface. You may want to buy an external or internal interface instead for a higher quality playback free from interference and potential crosstalk.

 

[msfexploit]

I will try on my surface book and smartphone tonight. I new i would have to buy an amp but thats gonna cost another 200 bucks for a decent setup. And i got these on a steal for $130, normal retail like 300.

 

[Suzuki@1473780084@1473780163]

200 for an amp!??! I got an amp for less than 50. https/www.amazon.com/Behringer-HA400-4-Channel-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B000KIPT30/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468968204&sr=8-1&keywords=behringer+400

Here's basically the best price/performance interface you can get, not just an amp. https/www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Solo-Compact-Interface/dp/B00MTXU2DG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1468968242&sr=8-2&keywords=focusrite+solo

In case it's not clear, in the enthusiast world, "external audio interface" is just a fancy name for a sound card with more features.

 

[msfexploit]

So i tested it out last night on my surface book. And there was no static or hiss at all, and wierdly only had to crank volume to 70% compared to my dekstop mobo. And the sound was better too, i think i will invest in a audioengine d1

 

[ssddx]

static.. sounds like background hiss or distortion due to pushing the amplifier too hard or poor quality audio files/equipment.

low volume.. sounds like not enough amplifier output. listen, even the highest quality onboard audio is only equivalent to a $30 soundcard so its not that great just average.

dont go by impedance (ohms) as that tells you nothing. that is not the only factor at place and motherboard audio specs are very highly overrated where they are almost lies at times.

you need an amplifier. i would suggest the schiit magni 2. more than powerful enough and a quality unit. the schiit modi is a nice dac you can pair with it if you wanted but its not required if the dac portion of your onboard is fine and its just the amp portion thats acting up. the audioengine d1 is also nice, but its weaker than the magni. the o2/odac is a good choice too.

 

[msfexploit]

Cool thanks for your imput, i usually stream spotify premium on pc and laptop. My HD558s even require 60% volume on my mobo sound. Im really enjoying these headphones sounds like ill need an amp. As far as the magni 2 how does it compare to the objective 2 you mentioned as well.

 

[ssddx]

both are similar in signature.

o2 you can place an odac inside (where battery would go) or use it on battery. magni is plug in from wall and modi sits on top if you use it.

for extremely sensitive cans you get more fine adjust on volume on the o2 but you should be able to also lower windows volume to a lower level and get more on the magni if using easier to power headphones. the magni has quite a bit more power output than the o2 which is why it always gets suggested for "budget" solutions with people wanting something a bit harder to drive than average.

while i wouldnt say the dt990 is hard to drive, its not as easy as some other headphones which is why you're having a little bit of an issue.

also make sure you know the difference between a DAC and AMP and think on if you need one or both.